Greetings!
My name is Roger Will Loptien and for those of you know me know my familys connection with childhood cancer as well. For those of you who dont, let me tell you my sons story. In late August of 2005, my youngest son, Trace, then 14, noticed a small bump inside of his mouth. He had caught a baseball cleat to the mouth a few weeks earlier so we didnt think much of it. When the bump proceeded to grow a little larger, we had a local oral surgeon remove it and send it off for testing. On September 23rd, we received the news that every parent dreads and that no 14 year old should ever have to hear--it was a malignant tumor. It was then with Gods blessings that we were introduced to Dr. Guy Petruzelli, one of the top head and neck oncologists in the United States. Dr. P explained that it was a rare form of childhood cancer called fibrosarcoma and that more surgery would be needed. Trace's surgery was scheduled for October 13th and consisted of removing a half inch by one inch piece of jaw bone and four teeth from his mouth. With mixed emotions, that day was the happiest day of our lives as Dr. P came out of surgery with a big smile on his face proclaiming that he had gotten it all! Trace now has checkups every six months and is doing great! He will be heading off to college this fall, although he cannot decide between Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana or Iowa. Not every child will be as fortunate as Trace was, and that is where you, I, and St. Baldricks come in! On March 7th, I, along with team Lyon/Ecowater, will be shaving our heads to conquer kids cancer. I have enclosed a donation form but I encourage you to go to www.StBaldricks.org and read the stories/donate online! Anything you can do will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Gods Blessings,
Will
